Customs officials said Thursday they have already confiscated about 10 of the lightweight tablet computers since Israel announced the new regulations this week. The ban prevents anyone — even tourists — from bringing iPads into Israel until officials certify that they comply with their cerftification standards.
Amnon, a software developer who legally brought an iPad into Israel but asked that his last name be withheld to avoid potential government repercussions, said he and other high-tech businessmen need the iPad to develop new applications for the device.
"There are several hundred people in Israel who make their livelihood developing apps ... and there are going to be companies that suffer, because they can't deliver the services they're supposed to be delivering," he said.
The iPad combines the features of a notebook computer with the touch-pad functions of the iPod. It went on sale in the U.S. on April 3. Apple this week delayed its international launch until May 10, citing heavy sales in the U.S.
Although the state is saying that Israeli standards are similar to those in many European nations, Israel is the only country so far to officially ban imports of the pad.
In the meantime, confiscated iPads will be held by customs — for a an excessive daily storage fee of course — until their owners depart the country or ship the gadgets back to the U.S. at their own expense.
Amnon, a software developer who legally brought an iPad into Israel but asked that his last name be withheld to avoid potential government repercussions, said he and other high-tech businessmen need the iPad to develop new applications for the device.
"There are several hundred people in Israel who make their livelihood developing apps ... and there are going to be companies that suffer, because they can't deliver the services they're supposed to be delivering," he said.
The iPad combines the features of a notebook computer with the touch-pad functions of the iPod. It went on sale in the U.S. on April 3. Apple this week delayed its international launch until May 10, citing heavy sales in the U.S.
Although the state is saying that Israeli standards are similar to those in many European nations, Israel is the only country so far to officially ban imports of the pad.
In the meantime, confiscated iPads will be held by customs — for a an excessive daily storage fee of course — until their owners depart the country or ship the gadgets back to the U.S. at their own expense.
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